Public Service Articles in the pursuit of
Recreational Boating Safety

-Volunteer Positions Open-

Aviators (Pilots, Air Crew, and Air Observers) - Assist the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary's (non-law enforcement) aviation program, as either a pilot, air crew, or air observer. Auxiliarists involved in the aviation program perform a variety of missions, including safety patrols, harbor patrols, Marine Environmental Protection mission, and checking Aids to Navigations (ATONs). (Unlimited availability, locations all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands)

Requirements: 17 years of age; US Citizenship; Strong patriotic desire to volunteer your time to serve both the United States and United States Coast Guard/Coast Guard Auxiliary. Willingness to enter free local, regional and national training program(s) - if selected for regional or national training, travel and meals are either reimbursed or subsidized (subject to limitations). Those wishing to become certified Coast Guard Auxiliary pilot should already posess a private pilot's license. Air crew is an intermediate level position, requiring a good deal of aviation knowledge, as well as the ability to obtain an FAA third class medical clearance. Air observer is an entry level position for non pilots with little or no aviation experience. For air crew and air observer positions, previous aviation experience is recommended, but not required.

Additionally, what is called the Working Blue (Utility) uniform or NOMEX flight suit, and Tropical Blue Uniforms may be required. These items are not reimbursed, but may be tax deductible; talk with a qualified tax advisor about your specific tax situation. (Depending upon availability and budget constraints- flight suits and other safety gear may be furnished by the local Coast Guard Air Station)

Time Frame: Aviation training is offered at the local level year round (in most locations). It usually takes a minimum of two to three months to become qualified as an air observer

Training: Air Observers: This is the "entry level" position in the Coast Guard Auxiliary aviation program. Training consists of self study and/or classroom training, plus flying a minimum number of missions (at least ten hours) with a currently qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary pilot. Perform a minimum number of missions (usually ten hours per year), and attend an annual safety workshop, as well as egress training and annual swim test (if required in your district).

Air Crew: Members must meet all the requirements for air observer, and in addition, must obtain an FAA third class medical certificate. Air Crew candidates must also take and pass an open book version of the pilot's examination. Air Crew members may be required to fly a certain number of missions (determined by your District), as well as attending annual safety seminars, egress training seminar , and perform an annual 50 yard swim test in full flight gear.

Pilots: There are three levels of pilot certification within the Coast Guard Auxiliary: (1) Co-Pilot (less than 500 hours of FAA documented flight time); (2) First Pilot (between 500 and 1,000 hours of FAA documents flight time); and (3) Aircraft Commander (over 1,000 hours of FAA documented flight time). Pilots must pass an open book exam, must be Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) rated, as well as perform a check ride with a qualified Flight Examiner (FE). All pilot levels are required to meet certain minimum number of hours flown (determined by the District), as well as attending annual safety seminars, an egress training seminar , and perform an annual 50 year swim test in full flight gear.

All aviation positions usually have the opportunity to train with Coast Guard active duty and reservists involved in aviation.

Advancement: Candidates may be appointed as Assistant District, District or National Staff Officers in the Aviation program. Co-Pilots may advance to First Pilot, and First Pilots may advance to Aircraft Commanders, upon completing the required number of hours and performing a check ride with a Flight Examiner (FE). Advancement is determined by your education, other Coast Guard/Auxiliary qualifications, and previous aviation experience, and local area needs.

Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, aviation training classes and other Auxiliary and Coast Guard courses taken while an Auxiliarist, can/may be used to accelerate your qualifications process in both the active duty Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.

Summary: So if you want an exciting volunteer career, which can not only satisfy your desire to be involved in aviation, but can also satisfy your desire to serve your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary may be just right for you!

For more information on the Coast Guard the Coast Guard Reserve, call 1-800-GET-USCG, or visit http://www.uscg.mil or http://www.uscg.mil/jobs/reservejobs2.htm. For information on how to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary, call 1-877-875-6296 or visit http://www.cgaux.org .